Dr. Donald Strauss, MD, LCSW-C, LISW

Dr. Donald Strauss brings more than five decades of clinical experience to his practice. He holds an MD and social work licensure as LCSW-C and LISW and has worked with many different concerns over his career. He uses clear, straightforward methods to help people manage difficult feelings and daily challenges.

In recent years he has focused on people facing degenerative neurological conditions such as ALS and MS, severe burn recovery, bipolar disorder, and long-term mental health concerns. He also works with helping professionals who struggle with compassion fatigue. His background includes a Master of Social Work from Florida State University and a Ph.D. in Clinical Social Work from the University of Maryland.

His sessions emphasize practical change. He helps people identify unhelpful thinking, try different behaviors, and develop problem-solving steps they can use between sessions. He draws on evidence-based techniques to suggest strategies that may reduce distress and improve daily functioning.

Dr. Strauss blends several therapeutic styles to match the person sitting across from him. That can mean focusing on current patterns of thought, looking at how close relationships affect feelings, or using a client-centered pace to follow a person’s priorities. He aims to build a working relationship where new ways of coping can be practiced.

People who choose him often want a steady, experienced clinician who can offer a mix of practical tools and thoughtful reflection. He practices in South Carolina and works with people in English, including international clients by online formats.

Approach and online options for care

Dr. Strauss commonly draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Attachment-Based Therapy, and client-centered work. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing new behaviors to reduce distress and improve daily routines. Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how early and current relationship patterns shape feelings and reactions, which can help with intimacy and trust issues. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes listening closely to each person's priorities and letting the pace follow what matters most to them.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. He will discuss different methods and collaborate with each person to decide what to try first, adjusting the plan as goals and preferences become clearer. The process is meant to be adaptable and guided by what helps most in real life.

Online sessions are offered by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different needs. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation and visual cues, phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited, live chat can work for shorter check-ins, and messaging supports ongoing reflection between sessions. These options make it easier to schedule care around work, caregiving, or travel and to keep consistent contact with a licensed professional.